Is there any real difference between ISPs when on FTTC?

sebtomato

Looks like they all use Openreach core network anyway, so is there a difference between Plusnet, Shell etc.?

Of course, I understand modem/routers, prices, support will be different but what about the actual connection/speed?

400ixl

If it is all working as it should then not really from a connection speed as most ISP's have a large enough backbone these days.

From a customer service point of view if there are issues, then yes there can be a massive difference.

Outside of the more expensive niche providers like Zen Internet, Plusnet are one of the top rated for service, Shell are somewhere near the bottom.

iniltous

As you say , the Openreach FTTC equipment is the same regardless of the ISP , there may be some small differences with the  router supplied, but to a large extent the sync speed will be the same , the differences are in backhaul ( so throughput speed may vary depending on ISP ) as well as customer service, price etc…..

sebtomato

iniltous said:

As you say , the Openreach FTTC equipment is the same regardless of the ISP , there may be some small differences with the  router supplied, but to a large extent the sync speed will be the same , the differences are in backhaul ( so throughput speed may vary depending on ISP ) as well as customer service, price etc…..

So Openreach doesn't provide the internet access? But just the network connection up to an internet gateway that is different for each ISP?

Browntoa

Some ISPs have their own backbone from the exchange or use BT/EEs network.

Open reach only provide the infrastructure to the exchange , they do not provide the broadband 

iniltous

Its an Ofcom ( the regulator ) designed separation that dictates that Openreach are just a conduit for ISP to connect consumers, Openreach products have to be offered to any ISP that want to use them on an equivalent basis so the same price and same performance is available to each ISP ( so no preferential treatment for any one ISP over another ) …once at a handover point , as stated the ISP may choose to use another BT Group company for backhaul or may use their own backhaul or use a non BT wholesaler of backhaul services, but the connection from the consumer property to the handover point is constant, ( for  the same product ) , in the case of FTTC for example, 40Mb ,55Mb and 80Mb tiers are available, so given this what provides the ‘sync’ rate , it makes no difference to that sync rate if the ISP is Talk Talk, Sky , BT , Vodafone etc. etc …if it’s the same line , the same FTTC equipment, then it’s the same ‘sync’ , with the small proviso, a better quality router may sync at a slightly better rate than a very poor quality one 

onomatopoeia99

sebtomato said:

iniltous said:

As you say , the Openreach FTTC equipment is the same regardless of the ISP , there may be some small differences with the  router supplied, but to a large extent the sync speed will be the same , the differences are in backhaul ( so throughput speed may vary depending on ISP ) as well as customer service, price etc…..

So Openreach doesn't provide the internet access? But just the network connection up to an internet gateway that is different for each ISP?

Openreach provide the connection from the premises to the backhaul network  (often BT 21CN but doesn't have to be depending on LLU options at the exchange). The ISP then has connections from that to their own network from where they peer with the internet in various places.

The capacity of the connections from BT 21CN to the ISP and the ISP to its peering points in under the ISP's control, and the cheaper ones have historically under-specified to save money leading to slowdowns at peak times due to congestion in those links.  They also save money by (for example) having offshore support or employing people that can do little more than read from a script.

Some ISPs will use different networks from the cabinet or exchange to provide the backhaul to their own network which may offer better quality of service than those provided by BT.  One such is operated by TalkTalk business (formerly C&W) who are significantly better than their retail namesake.  So my connection is FTTC, the first part is over Openreach cables, then it hands off to the TTB network, then to my ISP, then to peering points that my ISP buys capacity on.

ISPs can purchase different service levels from BT wholesale which affect how quickly they can book and Openreach technician to attend a customer.  I've generally got them next day when needed, I know others have waited much longer when they've had a line fault.

So it's all the same if you look at sync speed and regard that as the total of what an internet connection is.

wongataa

If you have no problems with your service then any ISP will be just fine and provide a comparable connection (if looking at the same connection parameters).

Where ISPs differ is if you have issues as then it is down to the customer service experience which can vary between companies.

sebtomato

I have now moved from Plusnet FTTC to Shell Energy Broadband last week (Superfast Fibre Plus).

No issues whatsoever. Switch was done on the day indicated. They sent an email when the new router could be connected. Actually, the Plusnet router did stay active even after the switch.

Shell router is connecting at exactly the same speed, and broadband speed is the same as before (using Speed Test).

However, Shell's router is actually better, since it supports Wifi 6 (Plusnet Hub Two doesn't), so much better speed between my various devices at home.

I am glad I switched, as I am due to save around £12 a month.